On a social media, PJ’s owners Bret, Kelli and Madeline Umstead referred to loyal customers as family, and told them after the extensive damage from back-to-back hurricanes, “there isn’t anything else we can do to save the restaurant.”
Last year, owners posted pictures after Hurricane Milton, showing the intense damage inside the restaurant at 7490 Gulf Blvd. With the storm surge, most of the ceiling fell and damaged the dining area.
The PJ’s location at 415 2nd St. in Indian Rocks Beach remains open, with no plans to close.
“…I want you all to know it has been an honor for us to be part of the St. Pete Beach community for the last 18 years. We have celebrated birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations of life together,” owners wrote about the spot that opened in 2007.
Whether you liked your oysters steamed or Chicago Style, PJ’’s had you covered. Known for its variety of seafood sandwiches, but also handcrafted land-burgers.
PJ’s ensured their seafood was fresh, as they sourced everything from fishermen who worked docks nearby. In the post, owners said they will keep the page up for now, and hope PJ’s customers will “pop-in” and say hi.
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This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2025.